Bulgaria brought the world the Cyrillic alphabet - which today is used in Russia and throughout the Balkans and other Slavic nations. It was invented by two monks during the First Bulgarian Empire.

The roses grown in Bulgaria's "Rose Valley" produce most (70-85%) of the world' rose oil - a component in most perfumes.

Though small in area, Bulgaria ranks third in Europe in biodiversity, with a number of rare and endemic species. More than 700 brown bears, 1,000 wolves, golden jackal, wild cats, common otters, souslik and 37 species of reptiles can be found here.

Bulgaria Has The 2nd Most Mineral Springs In Europe, just behind Iceland.